Rob Riggle Urges Veterans Battling PTSD to Reach Out for Help: 'You Don't Have to Carry This by Yourself'
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As an actor, comedian and military veteran, Rob Riggle understands what it means to work together for a common goal. Given that he commonly works on film and television productions and served in the U.S. Marines, he understands why it's so important to share one another's burdens and help and encourage those who may be hurting and struggling.
During a recent red carpet appearance, Riggle, who has been in films such as “Hotel Transylvania,” “The Hangover” and “Step Brothers shared an important and encouraging message for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ahead of Veterans Day.
The "21 Jump Street" star talked about the importance of veterans not living in isolation, according to ChurchLeaders.
“Yeah, listen, if you are hurting, that’s okay," he said. Don’t isolate. It’s our number one problem,” Riggle said. “That’s why we’re losing veterans—they isolate because they don’t understand what’s happening to them.”
Given that Riggle previously served in the United States Marine Corps for more than two decades, he speaks from a position of authority and understands that readjusting to civilian life after combat can be difficult and distressing. Not all war wounds are visible to the naked eye.
“They don’t understand why they’re anxious or why they are angry at the drop of a hat,” Riggle said. “And then they get mad at themselves because they feel out of control, but then they also feel like, ‘I don’t want to tell anybody because I’m ashamed of it.'”
The actor also encouraged veterans to maintain relationships and to stay in contact with one another.
“If you’re a veteran, reach out to your veteran buddies. Keep the lines of communication open. Talk about it with your friends,” he said. “There’s resources out there where you can talk anonymously. There’s all kinds of ways to to get this. You don’t have to carry this by yourself.”
The film "Jimmy," about the beloved, legendary actor Jimmy Stewart, includes his time in the military. The movie is currently playing in theaters.
Photo Credit: ©Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images
Originally published November 09, 2026.
